Online Master of Education in Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction
UMaineOnline is ranked #35 in Best Online Master’s in Education for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.
The University of Maine’s online Masters in Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction teaches you how to use research-based knowledge, field-tested experience, and the latest technology to meet the changing needs of students and schools. You’ll learn equitable and socially just instructional practices and curriculum development strategies that meet the needs of a diverse classroom.
Our cooperative program is designed by educators for educators and allows you to choose concentrations where you’ll have the greatest impact within a flexible online experience.
Why UMaineOnline
- Earn your degree from anywhere. Our program is 100% online so you can learn when you want, wherever you are.
- Same high-quality education as on-campus. Courses are designed and taught by on-campus faculty who are passionate about online teaching.
- Learn from experienced faculty who are leaders in their field. We’re the largest provider of undergraduate and graduate professional education programs and educational policy research in Maine.
- We keep our classes small. Smaller class sizes encourage debate, inquiry, and discussion based on real experiences and current issues.
Curriculum
Our curriculum is designed with professional educators in mind. Core and action research courses explore the foundations of curriculum, assessment, and instruction and our concentrations allow you to specialize in an area that speaks to your interests and helps you meet your goals. Throughout your coursework, you’ll work closely with a faculty advisor to ensure the program meets your needs.
Core Courses
The following core courses are required (12 credits):
Action Research Courses
Students complete an action research project as their degree capstone. The project is required and is considered part of the core. Generally completed during your final year of study, the project showcases the skills you’ve gained over the course of the program. These courses will guide you through the project. (6 credits)
Concentrations
Students can design their own concentration or choose an existing online graduate certificate. (15 credits)
Certificates as Concentrations (9-12 credits)
For certificate programs that are fewer than 15 credits, students will work with an advisor to select additional courses in addition to those offered in the certificate program to meet the required 15 credits. Graduate certificates that can be used as concentrations are:
- Certificate in Classroom Technology Integrationist (12 credits) (100% online)
- Certificate in Early Childhood Teacher (12 credits) (100% online)
- Certificate in High Leverage Practices to Promote Inclusion (12 credits) (100% online)
- Certificate in Instructional Design (12 credits) (100% online)
- Certificate in Positive Behavior Intervention and Support: RTI for Behavior (9 credits) (100% online)
- Teacher Leadership in the School and Community (9 credits)
Note: Certificate programs require a separate application. However, application fees are waived for students currently enrolled in the M.Ed. in Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction program. An advisor can answer any questions you may have about additional admission requirements for certificate programs.
Individually Designed Concentration (15 credits)
You’ll work with an experienced advisor to build a custom concentration with courses from other education programs or fields in a content area such as English, Literacy, Social Studies, Science, Foreign Language, or Math.
For questions about the program curriculum, structure, and goals contact the program coordinator, Rebecca Buchanan.
Admissions
We have rolling admissions so you can apply and be accepted into the program at any time. However, the following priority deadlines are recommended:
- Fall semester: May 1
- Spring semester: October 1
- Summer semester: March 1
Applications will still be reviewed after these dates, but acceptance may be deferred for the next semester.
Requirements
- Current experience teaching in a K-12 classroom (this program does NOT lead to certification)
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university with a 3.0 cumulative GPA
Application Materials
We have rolling admissions so you can apply and be accepted into the program at any time. The admission evaluation process begins once we’ve received all your application materials. Before you apply, please review the application instructions. When you’re ready to apply, please submit the following:
- An online application
- An essay describing your motivation for obtaining an M.Ed. in Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction
- Proof of teaching certification (this program does NOT lead to certification)
- Official academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation (optional, but recommended for those with less than a 3.0)
Contact Us
Have questions about earning an M.Ed. in Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction online with UMaine? Contact Amanda Cupps, UMaineOnline Senior Advisor, at 207.581.3452 or at amanda.cupps@maine.edu.
Careers
The demand for instructional coordinators is growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the overall employment of instructional coordinators is projected to grow 10% from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 20,400 openings instructional coordinators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. And as of 2020, the median pay is $66,970 annually.
Our graduates have gone on to be teacher leaders, curriculum coordinators, and specialists in areas such as literacy, science, and special education.
